Dental Hygiene Month: A Guide for New Parents on Newborn Dental Care

October is Dental Hygiene Month, and that means it’s the perfect time to talk about newborn dental care. As a new parent, it’s important to know how to keep a baby’s teeth healthy and clean. In this blog post, we will discuss the basics of newborn dental care, including when to start brushing their teeth and what types of toothpaste are safe for them.

Dental Hygiene Month: Why Newborn Dental Care Matters

As a new parent, you may be wondering why newborn dental care is so important. After all, baby teeth are going to fall out anyway, right? While it’s true that baby teeth will eventually be replaced by permanent teeth, taking care of them is still important for several reasons. In fact, caring for your child’s teeth begins before the teeth even come in!

Dental Hygiene Month: The Importance of Baby Teeth

Baby teeth play an important role in your child’s development. They help with chewing and speaking, and they also hold space for the permanent teeth that are coming in. If baby teeth are lost too early, it can cause problems with the development of permanent teeth.

Taking care of baby teeth can help prevent cavities in permanent teeth. Cavities are caused by bacteria that live in the mouth. If these bacteria are not removed, they can cause cavities in baby teeth, and then when permanent teeth come in, they may already have cavities.

Good oral hygiene habits start early. If you teach your child to brush their teeth and take care of their gums from a young age, they are more likely to have good oral hygiene habits for life.

Dental Hygiene Month: When to Start Brushing Baby’s Teeth

Starting at birth, clean your child’s gums with a soft infant toothbrush or cloth and water. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents use a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste to brush baby teeth twice daily as soon as they erupt and a soft, age-appropriate sized toothbrush. Once children are 3 to 6 years old, then the amount should be increased to a pea-size dollop and perform or assist your child’s toothbrushing. Remember that young children do not have the ability to brush their teeth effectively. Children should spit out and not swallow excess toothpaste after brushing.

If you have any concerns about your child’s oral health, be sure to talk to Dr. Cat here at Li’l Sunshine Smiles. She can help you create a plan for keeping your child’s teeth and gums healthy.

Tips for New Parents

Here are some tips for new parents on how to keep their child’s teeth and gums healthy:

• Wipe baby’s gums with a soft cloth or infant toothbrush after each feeding.
• Start brushing the baby’s teeth twice a day as soon as they come in. Use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste and a soft, age-appropriate sized toothbrush.
• Take your child to the dentist as soon as their first tooth comes in, or by their first birthday.
• Encourage your child to drink water throughout the day.
• Limit sugary drinks and snacks.
• Teach your child good oral hygiene habits from an early age.

Your Baby’s First Dentist Appointment

The American Dental Association (ADA) suggests that you take your child to the dentist as soon as their first tooth comes in, or by their first birthday — whichever is sooner. This is because cavities can develop quickly in baby teeth, and it’s important to catch them early.

At your child’s first dentist appointment, Dr. Cat will assess your child’s oral health and development, and will give you tips on how to care for their teeth and gums. She will also answer any questions you may have about your child’s oral health.

To prepare for your child’s appointment, the ADA recommends:

• Talk to your child about what’s going to happen and be positive.
• Have your child practice opening his or her mouth to get them ready for when the dentist counts and checks their teeth.
• Reading books or watching videos about first dental visits may help your child be less fearful and more confident.

They also explain that parents and caregivers can prepare, too. When making the appointment, it can’t hurt to ask for any necessary patient forms ahead of time. It may be quicker and easier for you to fill them out at home instead of at the office on the day of your visit. Make a list of questions, as well. If your child is teething, sucking his or her thumb or using a pacifier too much, Dr. Cat can offer some advice.

Bring Your Child to Li’l Sunshine Smiles During Dental Hygiene Month

During Dental Hygiene Month, bring your child to Li’l Sunshine Smiles for a cleaning and check-up. We will make sure their teeth are healthy and help you create a plan for keeping their teeth and gums healthy. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!